Smaller mandis in city colonies to check spiralling veggie prices

To check illegal practices by retailers leading to a non-uniform rise in prices of vegetables across the city, the Delhi government is planning to set up smaller mandis in various colonies across the city. Neelam Pandey reports. Clamping down

To check illegal practices by retailers leading to a non-uniform rise in prices of vegetables across the city, the Delhi government is planning to set up smaller mandis in various colonies across the city.

These mandis will buy vegetables directly from wholesalers and sell them at a price inclusive of just the transportation cost.

This move has come after Delhiites complained of vegetables being sold at escalated prices. While the rates of essential vegetables such as onions and tomatoes are lower in the Okhla and Azadpur mandi, retailers across the city have been charging Rs. 5-6 more than them.

"Currently prices across the city are not variable. Retailers are charging whatever they want. We want to rationalise the prices. This is why we are trying to tie-up with wholesalers. The vegetables they provide will be sold by retailers after fixing a reasonable price," said Haroon Yusuf, minister of food and supply.

A meeting will be held on Tuesday to chalk out a plan and ascertain the feasibility of the proposal.

To ensure that all smaller mandis charge similar rates, inspections will be carried out regularly. The meeting will have representatives from the Agriculture Product Market Committees (APMC), which oversees the working of vegetable wholesalers.

"We can't control the rates of vegetables and what retailers charge. The rates at which vegetables are sold in Khan Market differ from those in Sangam Vihar. This is why we want to open small mandis in colonies that will at least ensure that similar rates are maintained," said a senior Delhi government official.

The areas and colonies where these mandis will be opened will also be discussed in the meeting on Tuesday.